We plan our wardrobe around the seasons, so why not our skin care routine? I mean, if we want glowing skin year-round, it only makes sense: Everything from changes in heat and humidity levels to sun exposure play a part in how our skin looks and feels, which means changes have to be made to our skin care routine too.
So does this mean you have to overhaul your skin care routine every season? Luckily, no. (Whew.)
“The condition of your skin changes with each season and while you don’t need an entire beauty routine makeover, there are some useful tweaks that you can add to your daily skincare depending on the time of year,” says Dr. Roshini Raj, women’s health expert and co-founder of TULA, a probiotic skin care line.
Fall
1. Focus on hydration
As the temperature drops, so does the humidity, and your once glowing skin starts feeling dry and parched. “During cooler months, you need to pay special attention to thoroughly hydrating your skin,” says Raj. “If you want to keep dry skin at bay, you must hydrate your skin on a daily basis.” The best time to apply your moisturizer is right after a shower, just before your skin is completely dry: “This will lock the water into the skin and will help ensure better hydration.”
2. Consider incorporating a face serum
This is also the time of year you might want to consider adding a face serum that specifically targets skin dullness. Look for a product that contains brightening ingredients like citrus extracts that will even out your skin tone so you can get your glow on.
Winter
3. Add probiotics to keep your skin balanced
“Winter leaves skin vulnerable to variations in the skin’s pH level, which may result in dehydration, roughness, aging, acne and sensitiveness,” says Raj. “It may also decrease the efficacy of any skin care products, including anti-aging creams.” To restore your skin’s balance, look for products that contain probiotics. Named as a new beauty breakthrough by the American Academy of Dermatology, probiotics help strengthen skin’s natural protective mechanism and keep your skin hydrated.
Spring/Summer
4. Guard against environmental damage
“During the summer, the heat wave can cause a variety of skin issues, including dehydration, sun spots and blemishes,” says Raj, who recommends supercharging skin protection with skincare products that guard against environmental damage while encouraging collagen production. Look for skin-protecting and collagen-boosting ingredients like amino acids, probiotics, blueberries or other fruit extracts with antioxidant activity. “With enough collagen, your skin will stay plump and hydrated, sealing in its own moisture,” says Raj.
5. Take hyaluronic gel for a spin
Alexis Wolfer, beauty expert and author of “The Recipe for Radiance,” uses hyaluronic gel instead of a traditional moisturizer in the summer: “It helps to add water-based hydration to my skin, without adding any shine to my already-dewy skin.”
All Year Round
6. Don’t forget your SPF (like, ever)
Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 every day, rain or shine, January to December. After all, you want glowing skin, just not the lobster-esque kind. “When you properly protect your skin from the effects of the sun, elastin and collagen are better preserved, which leads to healthier and younger looking skin,” says Raj.
7. Wash your face nightly
Thoroughly clean your skin every night using a gentle cleanser, and use a mild exfoliant every two weeks. “Regular exfoliation encourages better product penetration, removing anything that might interfere with absorption, thus increasing the efficacy of any skincare product you use,” says Raj.
Originally published on Organic Authority